Southern Nigeria is escalating security measures as bandit groups from the North increasingly move toward the region’s forest corridors, heightening fears from Oke-Ogun in Oyo to the creeks of the Niger Delta.

Investigations by Opinion Nigeria show that bandit activity now touches boundary zones in Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, and parts of Edo—triggering deeper anxiety across southern communities.

From Oyo’s deployment of traditional hunters to Enugu’s drone surveillance and Ondo’s revitalised Amotekun operations, the South is responding with a blend of technology, community policing, legislation, and traditional systems built on native intelligence.

Regional Urgency and Coordination

South-West governors recently held an emergency meeting in Ibadan to coordinate a unified response to the threat. Officials emphasised strengthening intelligence networks, rapid inter-agency communication, and proactive operations to prevent any foothold by bandits.

The forum also underscored the need for collaboration with non-state actors—Amotekun, traditional hunters, and community vigilantes—arguing that state security agencies alone cannot cover vast forests and borderlands such as Oke-Ogun and Akoko.

A shift toward preemptive, rather than reactive, security operations was widely agreed.

Addressing Jurisdictional Gaps

The Southern Governors Forum has reaffirmed support for intensified patrols, reinforcements, and strategic checkpoints. Intelligence-sharing across all 17 southern states is being tightened to prevent criminals from exploiting jurisdictional loopholes.

Traditional rulers in the South-West have pledged cooperation, enhancing intelligence gathering, monitoring movements, and enforcing security directives within their communities.

Many councils have introduced night watches, reporting systems for unfamiliar settlers, and oversight of forest and farmland access points to deter infiltration.

State-by-State Security Measures

ONDO: Amotekun Launches Operation Le Won Jade

Ondo State heightened border surveillance after intelligence indicated fleeing bandits from Kogi and Niger were attempting to use the state’s dense forests as entry points.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has activated hunters, forest guards, joint patrols, reopened dormant security posts, and is recruiting 500 new Amotekun personnel.

“These measures are deliberate steps designed to secure the forests before any infiltration can take root,” said Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan.

Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal confirmed an emergency alert across tactical units, while Amotekun Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye reported major breakthroughs.

“We have driven miscreants, bandits and kidnappers out of the forests,” Adeleye said, noting 24/7 patrols and increased monitoring of boarding schools.

EKITI: ‘We Are Ready for Them’

Ekiti officials dismissed online reports of gunfire as “baseless,” but admitted surveillance has been intensified.

“Ekiti remains one of the safest states… but we are not sleeping,” said Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), Security Adviser to Governor Oyebanji.

Amotekun, Agro Marshals, Anti-Grazing units, Peace Corps officers and federal security agencies are active across all LGAs. Governor Oyebanji also issued a seven-day ultimatum to non-indigenes on a disputed farmland amid fears of criminal encroachment.

“We must act now,” he warned.

OGUN: Mandatory Documentation of Foreign Nationals

Ogun State introduced compulsory identification for all foreign nationals after intelligence reports linked some reserves and mining sites to itinerant criminal groups.

“Ogun is the gateway to Nigeria’s financial capital; we cannot afford laxity,” Governor Dapo Abiodun said.

The state is also establishing a Forward Operating Base in Ilara and sanctioning landlords who harbour suspicious tenants.

OYO: Hunters Enter Forests as Surveillance Widens

Oyo deployed traditional hunters after reports of unfamiliar movements in Oke-Ogun forests.

“We see faces we don’t recognise,” said Bamidele, a farmer in Olorunsogo.

Security aide CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd) said hunter deployment complements drones, cameras, reinforced Amotekun patrols and intelligence networks.

“Bandits do not respect boundaries; we must stay ahead,” he said.

ENUGU: Drone Surveillance Intensified

Enugu has deployed drones over suspected migration corridors from Nkanu to Udi and strengthened its Forest Guard Service. Security officials say the state is “not taking chances” as displaced northern groups often seek forested sanctuary.

Governor Peter Mbah warned that no unfamiliar settlement will be allowed in the state’s forests.

ANAMBRA: Waterways and Entry Points Secured

Marine patrols and drone sweeps have increased along the Otuocha–Omambala axis, described as the most vulnerable entry route from Delta and Kogi.

Vigilante networks now operate under tighter intelligence-sharing protocols with state forces.

IMO: New Security Bases Along Forest Belts

Imo has established new operational bases around Orlu and Orsu following discoveries of abandoned shelters used by migrating armed groups.

The state has fortified the Owerri–Okigwe corridor and ordered rapid reporting of suspicious movements under a strict “zero-settlement strategy.”

EBONYI: Rural Intelligence Network Activated

Ebonyi launched a centralised rural surveillance system linking town unions, security committees and traditional rulers directly to the state command.

Actionable intelligence has already prompted raids in two border communities.

ABIA: Northern Corridor Tightened

Abia has restored multiple checkpoints along the Umuahia–Uturu–Okigwe corridor and deployed tactical teams into forest pockets around Lokpanta.

New mobile surveillance units are monitoring for unusual gatherings or makeshift camps.

RIVERS: Border Security Recalibrated

Rivers updated its C4i Intelligence Platform to integrate drone data and deployed anti-kidnap teams to border junctions around Emohua, Ahoada and Ogba/Egbema.

Marine units are guarding creeks that could serve as infiltration routes.

DELTA: Multiple Entry Routes Secured

Delta has reinforced key corridors from Edo, Kogi and Bayelsa. Aggressive forest reconnaissance around Ndokwa was ordered after hunters found unfamiliar footprints.

“Delta will not allow any new group to settle,” a senior security official said.

CROSS RIVER: Oban Forest Patrols Expanded

Cross River intensified patrols around Oban, Ikom, Obubra and Akamkpa, expanding forest surveillance by nearly 40%. New patrol vehicles and off-road motorcycles support navigation of dense terrain.

BAYELSA: Marine Security Upgraded

Bayelsa has commissioned new gunboats for joint patrols and shut down illegal jetties used as potential infiltration points from Delta and Rivers.

“No bandit group will be allowed to exploit our creeks,” a security operative said.

EDO: Vigilante Network Reorganised

Edo reinforced border areas around Akoko-Edo, Etsako and Owan. Joint Task Force teams are combing forests around Ibillo and Igarra, while rapid-response patrols have resumed along Benin bypasses.

AKWA IBOM: CP Moves to Calm Panic; Gov Bans ‘Ekpo’ Masquerade

While northern bandit incursions concern the state police command, Governor Umo Eno has instead prioritised curbing public unrest tied to the ‘Ekpo’ masquerade, signing an Executive Order banning its public display.

CP Baba Azare is focusing on countering fake news, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring operational readiness after viral messages falsely claimed extremist infiltration.

“This message is fake, misleading, and should be disregarded,” he said.

Stakeholder meetings and enforcement measures are ongoing across the state.

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